Side by side
ChocolateBar vs Manico
Both stand on menu bar customization software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial Mac
ChocolateBar offers flexible menu bar layouts and a second-row view that also lists active windows. Its permissions and limits on displayed and mirrored menu items are important considerations before purchase.
Visit ChocolateBar Paid Mac
Manico focuses on direct keyboard switching for apps and their windows, with local processing and a one-time license. It is less suitable if browser-tab switching is essential.
Visit ManicoThe facts
| ChocolateBar | Manico | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | No |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | ChocolateBar: $15, paid once | Manico: $15, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | chocolatebar.app | manico.mariuti.com |
| On menu bar customization software | #21 of 25 | #25 of 25 |
ChocolateBar: what it does well
- Can hide icons or show them in a second row
- Profiles save visibility, order, and layout
- Supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
- Includes keyboard shortcuts and notch support
- 48-hour trial requires no card
What to know first
- Requires Accessibility permission
- Shows only icons macOS is currently drawing
- Mirrored menus may omit icons or custom behavior
- Supports Monterey through Sequoia; Tahoe is coming soon
Manico: what it does well
- Per-app keyboard shortcuts
- Switches windows within an app
- No Dock icon
- Local processing and no app analytics
- Future updates included
What to know first
- macOS 13 or newer required
- No free trial
- Does not switch browser tabs
- Accessibility permission required
Alternatives to ChocolateBar Alternatives to Manico The whole list